Inspecting FAA Obstruction Lighting Systems

Commercial property inspectors occasionally encounter buildings with distinctive features that reflect the property’s location, and in some cases, these features coincide with requirements from local or national regulatory agencies. In this inspection training video at a recreational facility near a municipal airport, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) obstruction lighting was observed. The segment covers how to identify and report on the system in accordance with the ComSOP Standard.

Understanding FAA Obstruction Systems

Buildings located near airports fall within regulated airspace. The FAA requires lighting systems to help pilots identify structures or fixed obstructions that may interfere with safe aircraft navigation during approach and departure. These systems can be seen from many miles away, and are designed and installed to enhance visibility during low-visibility conditions or when aircraft operate at lower altitudes.

Although the recreational facility in this video has no direct connection to air travel, its proximity to a municipal airport triggers these requirements. The recreational facility underwent an obstruction evaluation with the FAA, which determined that the building and related structures have the potential to affect navigable airspace.

Common FAA Lighting Systems and Components

Light Towers

Light towers required by the FAA may serve one of two purposes, either as obstruction lighting or as part of an airport’s approach lighting system (ALS). While they may appear similar, they function differently.

Obstruction lighting is installed to make a structure or location visible to aircraft. It may be a standalone tower or mounted directly on the obstruction, such as a high-rise building or support structures for antennas, radar, or meteorological equipment.

An approach lighting system provides a series of linear light towers that help pilots align with the runway during landing. These systems are part of the airport’s navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and are typically located on or immediately adjacent to airport property. However, some components may extend beyond airport boundaries when easements or agreements allow them to remain in proper alignment with the runway approach path.

Rooftop Obstruction Beacons

Rooftop beacons required by the FAA obstruction lighting are installed at the building’s highest roofline, corners, or mechanical penthouse to mark the building’s highest and outermost points. These are designed to operate from dusk to dawn, and depending on the building’s height, may consist of steady-burning red obstruction lights, flashing red beacons, or white strobe systems.

Lighting Control Equipment

FAA-regulated lighting systems may use a dedicated outdoor, ground-level cabinet to support the lighting equipment and any associated monitoring hardware. In other installations, obstruction lights may be powered directly from the building’s electrical service and use built-in drivers or controllers located inside the fixture, the facility, or a mechanical penthouse. However, each system still includes its own FAA-specific power and control components, whether housed externally or integrated into the light fixture or building.

Inspection Scope

The ComSOP excludes the inspection and testing of FAA-required lighting systems. However, because property owners are typically responsible for the installation and maintenance of FAA obstruction lighting, some inspectors choose to document related components and perform a baseline visual assessment for reporting purposes. Approach lighting, on the other hand, is generally the responsibility of the airport. Inspectors are not required to identify the specific system type or its components and may simply note such equipment as airport-related systems.

When encountering FAA-regulated lighting, focus on identification, visual condition, safety, and documentation rather than operational testing.

• Photographic documentation: Capture images of visible beacons, strobes, and supporting equipment. If roof access is available, consider photographing both macro and micro views of roof-mounted beacons located at the building perimeter and on roof-mounted equipment during the roof inspection. If access is limited, document the equipment from ground level.
• Protective measures: Note any bollards, barriers, or fenced enclosures installed to protect sensitive components from physical damage. Document their placement, condition, and whether they appear adequate for their intended protective function.
• Access considerations: Note any fencing, locked enclosures, or restricted areas around the equipment that could limit access for maintenance. If servicing the system would require special access arrangements or qualified personnel, document those observations.

Takeaway for Inspectors

FAA lighting obstruction and approach lighting systems show how location and regulation influence the systems found on commercial properties. While it’s recommended to document these features for inventory purposes, inspectors should clearly communicate that inspection and testing are beyond the scope of a commercial property inspection and often fall under FAA or local AHJ requirements.

Because property owners are typically responsible for maintaining FAA obstruction lighting and reporting outages in accordance with FAA standards, noting the presence, condition, and protective measures of these components provides valuable context without exceeding the inspection scope. Learn more through our online courses on commercial building exteriors and commercial roof inspections.